As the U.S. Open returns to tennis courts following a pause for the Paralympic Games, wheelchair tennis is preparing to deliver an extraordinary chapter in its evolving legacy. This year is particularly special—it marks the 20th anniversary of wheelchair tennis being featured at the U.S. Open, a milestone that spotlights two decades of progress, resilience, and fierce competition in the sport.

Wheelchair tennis first made its debut at the U.S. Open in 2005, gradually carving out its place alongside the Grand Slam’s most elite competitions. What had once been a niche sport has blossomed into a vibrant, fiercely competitive arena where the world’s best players showcase astonishing skill and tenacity. The inclusion of a quad division in 2007 expanded opportunities, allowing athletes with different physical impairments to compete at the highest levels. The addition of junior competitions in 2022 further highlighted the sport’s growth and commitment to nurturing emerging talent.

This year, as the tournament kicks off, all eyes are on Alfie Hewett, the British player who has become something of a modern icon in wheelchair tennis. Hewett enters the U.S. Open aiming for a remarkable third consecutive men’s singles title. Known for his strategic play and relentless determination, Hewett faces formidable competition, notably from Tokito Oda of Japan, the world’s No.1 ranked player and current Wimbledon champion. The clash between these two promise to elevate the tournament into a battle of tactics, speed, and endurance, where every point carries immense weight.

On the women’s side, Dutch star Diede de Groot is chasing history. Already a legend, de Groot has dominated the sport with six consecutive singles titles at the U.S. Open and is poised to make it an unprecedented seventh. Her pursuit is not just a personal milestone but also a historic moment for wheelchair tennis, as she aims to surpass Esther Vergeer—another legendary Dutch player who retired in 2013 holding six U.S. Open titles and a breathtaking 470-match winning streak. Vergeer’s achievements set a high bar, and de Groot’s potential to break that record underscores the dynamic evolution and growing competitiveness of women’s wheelchair tennis.

Yet, beyond these headline rivalries, the tournament embodies a powerful spirit of community and camaraderie. With nine players from the Netherlands and six from the United States alone, the event showcases not only athletic excellence but also a global celebration of inclusion and passion for the sport. Wheelchair tennis unites players from diverse backgrounds and countries in a shared pursuit, emphasizing sportsmanship and mutual respect as much as victory.

The junior division, newly introduced, adds another exciting layer to this year’s championships. These young athletes in the quad category are stepping onto the international stage, eager to hone their skills alongside seasoned professionals. Their presence is a sign of the sport’s bright future, promising that wheelchair tennis will continue to evolve and inspire generations to come.

Historically, wheelchair tennis owes much of its progress to visionary pioneers like Brad Parks, who is credited with inventing the sport in the 1970s after a skiing accident left him paraplegic. Parks’ passion and innovation turned wheelchair tennis from a recreational activity into a competitive sport recognized worldwide. Since then, the sport has seen continuous growth—wheelchair tennis was officially recognized by the International Tennis Federation (ITF) in 1988 and has been part of the Paralympic Games since 1992, reflecting its rising prominence on the global stage.

As the U.S. Open wheelchair competition unfolds starting September 2nd, tennis fans—and sports enthusiasts more broadly—will bear witness to moments of intense rivalry, awe-inspiring athleticism, and inspiring stories of triumph over adversity. Will Alfie Hewett’s grit carry him to a third straight U.S. Open men’s title? Can Diede de Groot continue to rewrite the record books and cement her legacy as the greatest women’s player in the tournament’s history? And equally compelling, which junior players will emerge as the future stars, ready to take the mantle in the years ahead?

These questions fuel the excitement surrounding this pivotal event. Beyond trophies and titles, the U.S. Open wheelchair tennis championships serve as a testament to the human spirit and the relentless pursuit of greatness. With every serve, volley, and rally, these athletes remind us that excellence in sport transcends physical boundaries, inspiring fans and fellow competitors alike.

In sum, as the 20th anniversary of wheelchair tennis at the U.S. Open dawns, it promises to be a landmark tournament—one defined by history, passion, and the thrilling promise of what lies ahead for this incredible sport.